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Healthy Living is having the opportunity, capability, empowerment, and motivation to act in a way that positively affects our environment as well as our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It is paying attention to what we eat, being physically active, resting, learning more about ourselves and our connection with our body. All for the purpose of developing good habits and help us meet our health goal needs. Healthy Living Resourcing Wellness in Community Healthy Living is an invitation... an opportunity to notice, to choose, and to care for ourselves in ways that honor both our inner and outer worlds. It is the capacity to act with intention, cultivating practices that support our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, while remaining mindful of the environments we inhabit and shape. It asks us to listen closely: to what we eat, how we move, when we rest, and what we are learning about ourselves and our connection to our bodies. Over time, these small, attentive choices become sustaining habits... ones that gently guide us toward wholeness, balance, and the health goals that matter most to us. We share these resources as an offering, trusting they may support your well-being or encourage you to uncover life-giving resources already present within your local community. Sweet Bee Farm Elderberry Syrup Monterey Bay Our Culture Hub Edens Garden Plant Therapy Make It Dairy Free Baba's Vegan Cafe Hilltop Farmer's Market Fish & Poultry Market The L.A. Cafe South LA Cafe Blaze Pizza Casa Tlatenchi The Moody Vegan McKenna's Bakery Eating Healty Today Green Vibrance Organic Protein Collagen Peptides Tumeric Curcumin Swanson Bone Broth Ashwagandha Recreation Hip Camping National Parks CAVA SeniorShape Fitness Peloton App CurlMix Moonlight The King's Offspring Zenni

Every contribution counts as we expand our reach and make a healthy multigenerational impact in our neighborhoods. Whether you give to us or other like-minded collaboratives like ours, your actions will inspire others and will create a chain reaction of restorative love, justice, and healing in our communities. My family appreciate you for being a worthy connector and collaborator of resouring lasting wellness rhythms throughout all generations. Give Every contribution matters as we continue walking alongside our communities and building something with meaning, purpose, and long-term impact. Your giving, whether directly to us or to other like-hearted collaborations, joins a larger story of restoration, hope, and justice unfolding in our neighborhoods. Your generosity becomes part of a shared journey, one where people’s real experiences, challenges, joys, and longings meet God’s ongoing work of renewal. And whether your path has been shaped by resilience, overwhelming grief, perseverance, or steady faith, your action helps spark movement toward healing that reaches beyond a single moment and into future generations. My family and I genuinely appreciate you for being a connector, a co-creator, and a collaborator in cultivating wellness rhythms that honor every story and every season of life. Your support means more than we can fully express, and we hold it with gratitude and humility. Thank You So Much! Ways to Give Paypal Venmo Zelle Linktree "What is important is how well we love. God will make our love fruitful, whether we see that fruitfulness or not." ~ Bread for the Journey A Sacred Thread (A brief note about my heritage)

Spiritual Direction is a safe, sacred space where we help people notice and respond to Divine presence in their lives. It’s not about giving advice or fixing anything. Instead, it’s about listening deeply, asking meaningful questions, and walking alongside someone as they explore their spiritual journey. It holds space for our stories, our curiosities, our longings, and even our silence...without judgment or agenda. In this space, our whole self is welcome. Spiritual Direction Schedule a Session Spiritiual Direction as Sacred Listening (Emmaus’ Encounter with Awakening) The story of the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 unfolds as a journey carried by overwhelming grief, honest confusion, and unexpected awakening. Two followers of Jesus, shaken by the events of his crucifixion, walk together trying to make sense of what has happened. Their hopes had been undone, and their bodies were carrying what their words could not yet explain. What they thought they understood about the Messiah no longer aligned with their lived experience. So they walk... talking, processing, wondering. It is the kind of conversation that rises out of deep loss and the search for meaning. As they walk, Jesus draws near, though “they were kept from recognizing him.” This part of the story names this hiddenness without fully explaining it. It invites us to reflect: Was God holding recognition until the right moment? Or was this tenderness, allowing them to walk before they were ready to see? Was Jesus choosing to remain unnoticed so their understanding could be reshaped? Or did their grief make it difficult to see clearly? The story leaves space for mystery, reminding us that recognition is often something revealed rather than achieved... an unveiling opened by God. Jesus begins by listening. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stop, faces downcast. Cleopas responds with surprise and sorrow: “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened?” His words carry the weight of someone trying to hold together a collapsing world. Jesus does not correct them, soothe them, or reveal who he is. Instead, he asks, “What things?”... an invitation for them to speak their truth in their own way... without editing, without spiritual polish, without needing to be right. So they tell the whole story. Their confusion. Their disappointment. Their fading hope. They speak of Jesus in the past tense, as grief often teaches us to do. Loss can reshape the way we speak, the way we remember, turning what was once alive into memory. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed”... as though everything they trusted about God had slipped away. And still, he remains with them. He listens without rushing their hearts. This encounter shows us that God often meets us in our questions before offering clarity. On the road to Emmaus, sacred listening begins with presence rather than explanation. Jesus walks with them long before he interprets anything. And when he finally does speak, he reframes their understanding not to shame their slowness, but to open their eyes to a deeper truth already at work. Even then, they do not recognize him, yet something shifts inside. Later they would say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road…?” What stirred them was not information alone, but the experience of being accompanied... walking together, breaking bread, sharing real conversation. Recognition comes not through argument or instruction, but through relationship and hospitality: “He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” In this way, Emmaus becomes a meaningful illustration of spiritual direction... a space where God draws near in the midst of our unrecognizable moments, listens us into greater clarity, and helps uncover truth through shared presence and genuine connection. It reminds us that awakening often comes as we walk, reflect, question, and are faithfully accompanied along the way. Cain’s Encounter with Mercy Hagar's Encounter with Seeing Nebuchadnezzar’s Encounter with Sovereignty Samaritan Woman Encounter with Truth Nicodemus' Encounter with Mystery Mary Magdalene’s Encounter with Recognition Schedule a Session My Guiding Framework Rooted Lineage This path begins with remembering where we come from, the lived stories of ancestors who carried Christ’s light through injustice, exile, and the wilderness of life. Their endurance reminds us that liberation is not only possible but inherited: a sacred strength flowing through generations, calling us to live with courage, dignity, and hope (Lisa Sharon Harper ). Spiritual Formation as Liberating Faith We follow the God who leads us from bondage into freedom... freedom in our hearts, our relationships, and our communities. This faith listens for the Spirit’s guidance and welcomes transformation rooted in justice, wisdom, and love. Here, formation is not striving but growing into God’s healing story… restoring what is broken, renewing belonging, and shaping us into people who reflect Divine freedom (Harriett Tubman , Barbara Holmes , Lerita Coleman Brown , The Desert Fathers & Mothers of African/early Middle Eastern traditions , St. Ignatian (Jesuits) & Hush Harbors ). Embodied Awareness Our bodies hold memory, wisdom, and traces of both pain and grace. Through gentle attention and spiritual practice, we notice what our bodies are telling us and invite God’s love to bring understanding, integration, and freedom. In this space, we learn to inhabit a sense of belonging... with God, with creation, and with one another (Sheila Wise Rowe , Chichi Agoran & Resmaa Menekem ). Communal Contemplation as Sacred Belonging Healing deepens in community. In shared moments... silence, song, movement, lament, or rest... we step into rhythms that open us to God and to each other. These practices nurture shalom: a sacred harmony that renews our humanity, strengthens resilience, and assures us that we never journey alone (Barbara Holmes & Howard Thurman ). Spiritual Direction Session 1 A Moment to Pause Give yourself a moment to pause, breathe, and fully arrive where you are. 2 Your Journey, Your Voice This is your space to share what’s on your heart. When it feels helpful, I may offer meaningful questions to invite deeper reflection and awareness. 3 Moving with Intention We take time to notice what nourishes and encourages... whether that’s reclaiming pieces of your story or recognizing small movements of growth. This is an unhurried space to be seen, heard, and supported. 4 Reflect We pause to reflect on what emerged and how it might guide your next steps. We close in the way that feels most comfortable for you, giving room for what unfolded to guide you. 5 After the Session If something stays with you or sparks curiosity, I can offer a few resources. They’re shared lightly and meant only for what feels helpful to you. 6 Session Support Healing and growth are for everyone. Each 55-minute session is offered on a sliding scale of $35–$50. Scheduling is easy through my Calendly link, and I’m happy to answer any questions and here to support you along the way. Pacing Your Journey I invite you to discover a rhythm for your sessions that works well for your life. Some meet once a month, others twice, depending on the season you’re in. If you’re new to spiritual direction, even a few sessions can help you notice what truly resonates. I’m here to walk alongside you and adjust as we go. A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR IS SOMEONE WHO... Is guided by the Holy Spirit , in the same spirit as those who, from the earliest gatherings, sought to listen together for God’s direction (Acts 13:2–3) . The director helps you attend to how the Spirit is moving and speaking in your life. Is a Trained Listener , offering a compassionate presence as you reflect on your experiences, questions, and joys. Together, you discern what is unfolding in your daily life and how you are invited to respond (Jn 14:26; 1 Kings 19:11–13) . Does Not Seek to Fix or Diagnose , but creates space for God’s healing and direction to emerge, even amid life’s struggles. Spiritual direction does not separate us from our challenges; it helps us notice God’s presence and invitation within them. Asks Meaningful, Compassionate Questions , opening pathways of reflection and discernment that mirror the invitational questions of Jesus: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) or Where do you want to be made well? (Jn 5:6) . Embodies Hospitality and Confidentiality , offering a sacred and trustworthy space for you to bring your whole self, your hopes, doubts, and desires, before God (Rom 12:9–13; Heb 13:2) . Guides You in Spiritual Practices , such as prayer, silence, meditation, and reflection that nurture your relationship with God and strengthen your attentiveness to the Spirit’s work. Invites You into Deeper Union with God , helping you attune your heart to God’s presence in both stillness and activity, and to participate in the Spirit’s work of transformation within you and through you (2 Cor 3:17–18) . Encourages Spiritual Growth Rooted in Love , helping you live with greater alignment to the teaching that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21) . As Henri Nouwen wrote, “The farther the outward journey takes you, the deeper the inward journey must be.” Celebrates the Transforming Work of Grace , walking with you as you notice how God’s love restores and renews your life, just as the early Church rejoiced together in the ongoing movement of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42–47) . Continues a Long Lineage of Spiritual Companionship (trained and continues to be practiced in the art of Spiritual Direction), following the pattern of faithful guides throughout history who have helped others discern God’s guidance and live into their purpose (Prov 11:14; Is 30:21) . “A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR is one who helps another recognize and follow the inspirations of grace in their life, in order to arrive at the end to which God is leading them.”—Thomas Merton Scriptural Anchors: Psalm 139 | Jn 10:27 | Jn 14:26 | Jn 15:26 | Acts 1:8 | Rom 8:26 | Rom 12 | 1 Thess 5:11 | 2 Timothy 2:2

A living library of reflections, stories, and resources rooted in the pursuit of justice, righteousness, and embodied soul care. These offerings are not just updates or insights, they are companions for those resisting disconnection, disembodiment, elitism, and nationalism. Here, truth is held with tenderness, and history is honored as a guide, not a weapon. Each resource is curated to nurture clarity, courage, and communal healing in a fragmented world. Blogs & Articles A living library of reflections, stories, and resources rooted in the pursuit of justice, righteousness, and embodied soul care. These offerings are not just updates or insights...they are companions for those resisting disconnection, disembodiment, elitism, nationalism, and racism. Here, personal truths are held with tenderness, and history is honored as a guide rather than a weapon. Each resource is curated to nurture clarity, courage, and communal healing in a fragmented world. African Burial Ground National Park Service A Sacred Space in Manhattan. African Burial Ground is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It protects the historic role slavery played in building New York. Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a theologian, psychologist, and professor dedicated to healing the legacies of racial and gender oppression through faith, justice, and holistic care. In her Substack newsletter, No Trifling Matter, she offers personal reflections and insights on topics like motherhood, resistance, and spiritual growth. Sheila Wise Rowe Sheila Wise Rowe is the co-founder of The Cyrene Movement, an online Christian community dedicated to helping people of color heal from racial trauma, realize their potential, and embrace community. The movement draws inspiration from Simon of Cyrene, a man of color from North Africa who helped Jesus carry the cross, symbolizing the act of lifting each other's burdens. Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown Lerita Coleman Brown , a heart and kidney transplant recipient, spiritual director, and professor emerita of psychology...intertwines her personal journey with profound insights into the integration of spiritual and psychological healing. Her exploration of the intersection between spiritual direction and psychotherapy reveals how blending psychological insight with spiritual accompaniment can cultivate a more holistic model of care, one that honors both the inner life and mental well-being. Lisa Sharon Harper Lisa Sharon Harper reflects on the events of our day, through the lenses of theology, culture, politics, and the arts. Think of this space as “LSH Acoustic”: raw, thoughtful first takes without the bells and whistles. Sometimes her reflections appear as short Twitter moments. Other times they grow into essays, columns, or even chapters of books. Here, she invites us to pause and touch base, offering a place where her voice can stretch beyond Instagram or Facebook. Lisa values dialogue. She loves hearing how her words land and what they spark in you. So, join the conversation: write back in the comments, share with friends, and lean into the reflection. We are living in extraordinary times. Dr. Jemar Tisby Jemar Tisby is a historian, author, and public theologian whose work centers on truth-telling, racial justice, and faithful Christian witness. Through careful historical analysis and pastoral clarity, he helps communities confront the realities of racism while cultivating practices of repentance, repair, and hope. Jemar’s voice bridges scholarship and lived experience, inviting the Church to engage history honestly, embody courageous love, and participate more fully in God’s work of reconciliation and liberation. The Center for Formation Justice & Peace The Center for Formation Justice & Peace is an interdenominational community cultivating Christlike character to pursue peace through kingdom justice. Through articles, podcasts, and spiritual practices, the Center explores how to become a "people of repair," addressing societal brokenness with compassion and action. On Being On Being . A profound conversation from The On Being Project exploring what it means to be human, live wisely, and act with courage in a fractured world. On Being features transformative voices like Resmaa Menakem, who brings deep insight into healing racialized trauma and embodying justice. Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez Kristin Kobes Du Mez , a historian that delves into the intricate ties between American evangelicalism, politics, and gender roles. Her acclaimed book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, examines how evangelical culture has embraced a rugged, militant masculinity, influencing political allegiances and shaping national discourse. Through her writings and interviews, Du Mez highlights the cultural forces that have redefined religious beliefs and practices in contemporary America. Corey Evan Leak Corey Evan Leak is a writer, speaker, certified diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner, and creator of Justice & Belonging. Through his blog, essays, and conversations, he challenges norms that uphold injustice and invites deeper reflection on race, faith, and community. His work doesn’t just analyze problems, it sparks transformative conversations that push readers to consider how beliefs and practices shape belonging, dignity, and shared life together. For those seeking a grounded witness at the intersections of spirituality and justice, his writing is both a provocation and a call to engage more honestly with the questions of our time Lectio 365 Lectio 365 is created to help you develop a deeper, daily connection with God. Inspired by the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, daily devotionals guide for you to pray the Bible through Scripture, reflection, and prayer each morning, midday and evening. Since launching in 2019, Lectio 365 desire is to help people make prayer a regular, life-giving habit... wherever we are and whatever our day holds. How Hip Hop Changed the World How Hip Hop Changed the World . Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World" is a four-part documentary series that explores the evolution of hip-hop from its roots in the Bronx to its global impact today. Presented by Chuck D of Public Enemy, the series examines how hip-hop has served as a powerful medium for political expression and social commentary over the past 50 years. Dr. Curtis Thompson Curtis Thompson MD . Explore thought-provoking reflections on healing, connection, and the intersection of neuroscience and spiritual formation by Dr. Curt Thompson. These articles offer rich insight for anyone longing to live with greater purpose, presence, and wholeness. The Work of the People The Work of the People is a spiritual media ministry offering contemplative films and visual liturgies that invite deep reflection, healing, and justice. Their resources help individuals and communities encounter God through honest storytelling and creative liturgy. Dr. Sophia Park Dr. Sophia Park is a prophetic voice in global feminist theology, Dr. Park weaves together biblical spirituality, intercultural wisdom, and liberating practices rooted in the margins. As a scholar, spiritual director, and sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, her work invites us into deeper belonging, healing, and global sisterhood. Father Maurice J Nutt Father Maurice J. Nutt is a Redemptorist priest, revival preacher, and author dedicated to uplifting African American Catholic voices through prophetic preaching, social justice, and spiritual renewal. His ministry emphasizes faith, cultural identity, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Father Maurice shares reflections like “Preaching in a Time of Crisis” and “Pursuing a Life That Matters,” offering guidance on living a faith-filled life. Through his preaching, writing, and retreats, Father Maurice continues to inspire others to embrace a life of purpose and faith. Center for Action & Contemplation Center for Action and Contemplation Daily Meditations are everyday wisdom for a transformed lives. They are rooted in the Christian contemplative traditions, offering reflections from Richard Rohr, CAC faculty, and guest teachers to help you deepen your spiritual practice and embody compassion in the world. Kahlil Greene Kahlil Greene , also known as the “Gen-Z Historian”, is a 2x Emmy-nominated, Forbes 30 U 30 Honored, Peabody Award-winning, and New York Times, WSJ, and Variety Magazine recognized digital educator with over 800,000 followers and 50mm views across his TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles. He has authored op-eds about Gen Z and social impact in the Washington Post, LA Times, and Harvard Business Review. Kahlil also graduated from Yale with a degree in History and served as the college’s first-ever Black student body president. Kahlil is now a full-time, self-employed speaker, influencer, and educator and is known for his TikTok series, Hidden History–which dives into stories of American injustice–and for his commentary about politics and culture.Take a Look at Substack Top Black History Creator with Jemar Tisby & Kahil Greene Center of Spiritual Imagination The Community of the Incarnation is a new monastic community which embodies and teaches engaged contemplative spirituality in response to what Father Bede Griffiths called “the universal call to contemplation.” We affirm that intimacy with God does not belong to a special group of religious professionals but is available to all. Our practice democratizes the gifts of monastic spirituality and translates them into a form that can be lived in everyday life. Writings Asian American Christian Collaborative By Asian American Christians, for Asian American Christians, about Asian American Christians. Read compelling stories, rich theology, and thoughtful reflections from our community in our weekly newsletter. Sign up and be the first to get new content, updates, and resources pertaining to Asian American Christians. Articles

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Let's actively participate in the pursuit of holistic living using spiritual and body practices that uplift and transforms our souls cultivating strength in our spirits as we embark on this healing journey together. Soul Care Mini-Retreat Hourly Rate: $80 + Travel & Participant Materials (Personalized Online or In-Person) A Note on Shared Care & Pricing Let’s explore what a soul care mini-retreat could look like for your team or community, your hopes, expectations, and the unique needs of your group. I look forward to partnering with you to create a meaningful experience. Schedule a Call

Spiritual Direction is a safe, sacred space where we help people notice and respond to Divine presence in their lives. It’s not about giving advice or fixing anything. Instead, it’s about listening deeply, asking meaningful questions, and walking alongside someone as they explore their spiritual journey. It holds space for our stories, our curiosities, our longings, and even our silence...without judgment or agenda. In this space, our whole self is welcome. Complimentary Call Let’s take a moment to connect. Listening, learning, and exploring together how Soul Care and Spiritual Direction can nurture freedom, healing, and hope. Let's Connect Spiritual Direction An invitation into a sacred rhythm where your story, sorrows, and longings are held, your hidden strength is honored, and your transformation is companioned with care. Spiritual Direction Soul Care Mini-Retreat A space for groups to gather, rest, and receive spiritual care. Participants are invited to reflect, be supported, and explore practices that nurture both themselves and one another. Soul Care Mini-Retreat Why Spiritual Direction? A Journey of Transformation Why Spiritual Direction... because Spiritual Direction transformed my life when I needed it most. In one of my lowest moments, I finally raised my 'surrender flag' (literally, raised my hands!) and opened myself to the gift of spiritual directors and spiritual mentors. They walked with me as I faced the pain I had buried for far too long: overwhelming grief, stress, trauma, shame, anxiety, fear. All of it had been held behind protective armor I believed would keep me safe. There was something about the way they held space helped soften what felt impossible to face. Slowly began reclaiming parts of myself I had lost along the way. Still, it was two defining invitations that drew me deeply into this sacred path. The 'First Invitation' was the courage to name the wound. It began through a dream… unsettling and deeply embarrassing. Something buried in my soul surfaced without warning, forcing me to confront my own sexual brokenness. I tried everything to make it go away: prayer, healing services, repentance, striving. Yet the thoughts lingered. Shame whispered that I was beyond help. When I finally shared this with a trusted spiritual companion, her response surprised me. Instead of condemnation, she offered compassion and said simply, “Cynthia, you’ve been wounded. Those words settled into my body like truth I had been afraid to claim. I wasn’t defective. I wasn’t beyond repair. I was wounded. And Jesus, the Wounded Healer, was not turning away. He was inviting me into restoration. That moment marked the beginning of my interior work toward sustainable freedom. The 'Second Invitation' was wrestling with justice. It was a defining moment emerged through my own family story. My auntie, a fierce civil rights advocate for African American nurses, worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to break barriers in the medical field. She fought for equity, dignity, and spaces where Black nurses could thrive. Yet in her final years, I witnessed exhaustion, disappointment, and the heavy cost of battles fought without the rest she deserved. I struggled with God. More honestly, I raged. My anger mirrored parts of the story of Hagar, an enslaved Egyptian immigrant woman cast into the wilderness, unseen and discarded. I could not reconcile what I was witnessing with the version of faith I had inherited: a faith entangled with colonial ideals and nationalistic identity, promising ease for the faithful while overlooking the wounds of the marginalized and oppressed. It was not the faith of Jesus. It was a theological derailment clothed in religious language, masking injustice while silencing the cries of the wounded. Yet in that wilderness, Hagar helped me see my own pain differently. I was drawn back to the justice of God... not a justice formed by prosperity logic or merit, but the embodied presence of a God who sees, who stays close, who does not abandon the wounded. Like Hagar, I had felt dismissed and unseen. Still, my anger did not disqualify me. It became a doorway... into lament, into righteous grief, into deeper truth. Even there, God was inviting me further: not only to grieve injustice, but to gently confront my own unexamined desires and instincts, the ones that could subtly mirror the very systems I longed to dismantle. The Power of Spiritual Direction & Strength in Surrender Here, in the tension between lament and hope, I began to embrace the layered work of healing... an inside-out transformation that could not be hurried. As I surrendered to this vulnerable path, an unavoidable truth resurfaced: to love my neighbor as I love myself. I had to ask hard, compassionate questions. How am I actually caring for myself with love? What happened that required so much self-protection that it began to shape, and at times limit, how I love others? I could no longer repress, suppress, or hyper-spiritualize my pain and struggles. They emerged fully... not demanding perfection, but inviting honesty. Vulnerability. Truth. Compassion. Grace. As I allowed myself to move through the process... naming grief, embracing what some clinicians and wellness practitioners refer to as ' clean pain ', and letting truth rise... something emerged. A liberation I had longed for, often without language, started to take root. Slowly, freedom unraveled patterns that had subtly kept me captive: ways of thinking and reacting shaped by fear, control, and longings I hadn’t yet known how to name. I became aware how these forces had shaped my imagination and guided my decisions beneath the surface. And yet, as I entrusted myself to the Healer, I found a steadier anchor. I was being redeemed not only from pain, but from a kind of inner captivity I had learned to survive. I learned to honor my body as bearing God’s image. To receive rest as a sacred gift rather than reward. To discover unexpected strength through lament. I was being freed into a new way of living... new habits, renewed thought patterns, and an imagination reshaped by Love rather than fear. Purpose in Spiritual Direction & Networks of Freedom One of the most life-changing truths I have learned is this: soul work is never meant to be done alone. Healing is communal. Formation is relational. None of us arrive at truth by ourselves. The voices of those who encouraged, challenged, and walked with me revealed the sacred interconnectedness of our healing. The wisdom and endurance of my ancestors became a guiding thread, reminding me that my interior life is never a private project. The Spirit forms us internally so that God’s love may be made visible externally. Therese Taylor-Stinson names this truth beautifully in Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: “The more connected I am to those committed to freedom in my own life, the further I am able to travel in my own trek to freedom. Networks of freedom have supported my own growth, and I have built networks of my own to sustain and affirm the viability of community.” Her words continue to invite me, again and again, into soul care communities that cultivate freedom, and into the sacred work of creating spaces where others can experience that same liberation. Now more than ever, I see the lifeline of community... the call to keep growing, bridge-building, and sustaining this path of belonging, peace, and restoration that God longs for us to walk together. A Sacred Thread (A brief note about my heritage) Courtesy Disclaime r At Urban Wellness Living, the hope is to offer a space where people can tend to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in ways that feel honest, human, and rooted in God’s presence. Many of us arrive carrying grief, questions, fatigue, longing, or simply the desire for a deeper, more integrated way of living. Here, you are invited to come as you are. Nothing to fix. Nothing to prove. Spiritual direction offers room to slow down and pay attention… to the places within you that are asking for care, to the movements of God that may be subtle or surprising, and to the stories shaping how you live and love. This is not a path of striving or perfection, but a caring walk marked by curiosity, courage, compassion, and trust. It is also important to name clearly that Urban Wellness Living, including the Spiritual Direction and Soul Care Advising services I offer, is not a substitute for licensed counseling, psychotherapy, or medical diagnosis. When support from a trained mental-health professional is needed, seeking a qualified, licensed provider is both wise and life-giving. I am always willing to help you discern what kind of support best honors your needs in this season. In our work together, held with confidentiality and care, the focus will be on noticing what nurtures your growth, your resilience, and your experience of God’s nearness. This may include exploring holistic spiritual practices, reflecting on patterns in your life rather than judgment, or connecting you with additional community or professional resources when helpful. At its heart, spiritual direction is a shared listening… to your story, to your body and spirit, and to the God who meets you right where you are.

My Soul Care Rhythm embodies a profound commitment to care for the soul. In this cherished rhythm, I recognize the intricate orchestra between personal well-being and the greater harmony of community. Rooted in principles of compassion, love, and justice, I believe that nurturing the soul extends beyond individual contentment; it encompasses a collective pursuit of justice and righteousness for the sake of all humanity. Videos & Movies to Watch The Knowledge of Race All Categories Play Video Play Video America’s Unholy Ghosts | The Joel Goza Interview Play Video Play Video Kristin Du Mez Nov 2023 Play Video Play Video Race - the Power of an Illusion Play Video Play Video Isabel Wilkerson - Classifying People By Caste | The Daily Social Distancing Show Play Video Play Video The Origin of Race in the USA Play Video Play Video A Gardener's Tale | A story about systemic racism Play Video Play Video Robert P. Jones — The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy - with Wajahat Ali Play Video Play Video How to Talk to Kids About Race Justice & Reconciliation All Categories Play Video Play Video Reclaiming Faith: A Journey to Restoration Play Video Play Video Racial Reconciliation - Latasha Morrison Play Video Play Video This Justice Is Not Revenge Play Video Play Video September 27, 1966: MLK—A riot is the language of the unheard Play Video Play Video Sean Sherman - "Turtle Island" & Fighting Native American Erasure With Food | The Daily Show Play Video Play Video EJI: The Legacy of Racial Injustice Play Video Play Video 'We the People' - the three most misunderstood words in US history | Mark Charles | TEDxTysons Play Video Play Video As In Heaven | A Biblical Theology of Race and Justice | Live at TGC21 Children's Books All Categories Play Video Play Video CML Presents: We March by Shane W. Evans Play Video Play Video I Am Martin Luther King Jr by Brad Meltzer| Books Read Aloud| StoryTimeWithMsMelange Play Video Play Video 'As Fast As Words Could Fly' read by Dulé Hill Play Video Play Video 'Trombone Shorty' read by Angela Bassett Play Video Play Video Children’s Read Aloud 🖍️ | Broken Crayons Still Color by Toni Collier Play Video Play Video Art Book Read Aloud: Gordon Parks Play Video Play Video My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz by Monica Brown read-aloud Play Video Play Video Something Happened In Our Town (Read Along Book) Movies to Watch All Categories Play Video Play Video Betty & Coretta: An Extended Preview | Lifetime Play Video Play Video JUST MERCY Official Trailer Play Video Play Video ORIGIN - Official Trailer - In Theaters January 19 Play Video Play Video Official Trailer | Black + Evangelical Play Video Play Video HARRIET | Official Trailer | Now Playing Play Video Play Video God & Country Play Video Play Video Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom | A Documentary from @ourdailybread Voices Collection Play Video Play Video Mapping the Green Book | National Geographic Learn More

Focusing on Black and African American history when discussing wellness, systemic oppression, and racism is not about prioritizing one group's experiences over others or ignoring global issues. Instead, it is about acknowledging and addressing an intentional and historically significant aspect of systemic oppression in the United States and, by extension, highlighting broader issues related to racism, caste systems, socio-race trauma, and inequality of wellness worldwide. Why is it vital to honor the lived wisdom within Black and African American spirituality and soul care? When we pause to honor the lived wisdom of Black and African American spirituality and history... especially in conversations about soul care, caste systems, and racism, we are not narrowing our vision or overlooking the needs of others. Instead, we step into a deeper listening, recognizing a history that continues to shape the United States and the wider world, while we allow ourselves to be shaped by it too. This posture opens a way to see the wounds of structural inequity more clearly and to recognize the intrinsic values of renewal, wisdom, and hope borne through lived faith and communal faithfulness. Here, soul care becomes a work of healing and restoration, not only for one community, but for all who long for justice, grace, reconciliation, and shared human flourishing. This is why this emphasis matters: Historical Significance (Remembering as Sacred Retrieval): Black and African American spirituality carries sacred memory that calls us to Sankofa… to go back and retrieve what has been forgotten or taken. Like the Exodus story, it reveals God’s movement in the midst of oppression, guiding communities from bondage toward redemption. Honoring this history is not merely remembrance; it is an act of retrieval and repair. Through soul care, history becomes a living space where we hear echoes of resilience, lament, and Divine presence whispering across generations. As we engage these memories, we learn how the Spirit sustains people and leads them toward wholeness. Soul care then becomes an ongoing Exodus... an embodied journey of remembering, healing, and collective liberation. Intersectionality (Love as Collective Awareness): Intersectionality grows from the command to love God and neighbor. It reminds us that our lives are bound together… across race, gender, class, ability, and faith… and that harm to one body is harm through the whole body. This love calls for a relational awareness that begins within and expands outward. Here, compassion becomes a shared ethic. Intersectionality becomes soul work. It teaches us to notice where power, pain, and privilege intersect, within us and around us. Through this awareness, we learn to listen across difference, to soften our defenses, and to build bridges of empathy. Liberation, in this way, is not solitary… it is shared, restoring all of creation toward right relationship with God and one another. Education & Awareness (The Sacred Space Between): Education and awareness lie at the heart of soul care. Viktor Frankl reminds us, “Between stimulus and response there is a space.” In that sacred in-between, we discover choice, agency, and grace... the capacity to choose healing, truth, and growth. Soul care tends this space, teaching us to pause, breathe, and listen... especially to our bodies, before we respond. Here, the guiding question shifts. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?” ... a question shaped by fear, power, and dominance... or “What’s wrong with me?” ... shaped by shame and self-blame... we are invited into deeper inquiry: What am I carrying? What patterns am I living inside? What harm, hierarchy, or control have I internalized? What is my body asking me to notice before I speak or act? This kind of awareness does not excuse injustice or collapse accountability, it clarifies it. By tending first to the log in our own eye, we learn to respond rather than react, to confront harm without reproducing it. From here, awareness moves outward, revealing how personal wounds and internalized oppression are woven into collective systems. Through humble learning and deep listening, we awaken to our shared humanity and to the Spirit’s invitation toward compassion, courage, curiosity, and repair. Policy & Reform (Systems that Mirror Justice): Soul care does not end in personal reflection; it moves into public transformation. When we ask not, “Who failed?” but, “What systems create harm or healing?” , we practice justice as love in action. Black and African American communities have long carried the burdens of inequitable systems in housing, education, healthcare, professional opportunities, and criminal justice. Naming these realities is both prophetic and pastoral. Soul care supports policy and reform by tending to the emotional fatigue of advocacy and by reminding us that every just structure begins with a re-ordered heart. As systems are reformed, so are we… learning to turn reaction into reflection, and reflection into courageous, compassionate action. Christ Formation & Theological Anthropology (Love that Takes Flesh): Christ’s formation unfolds within human history, not apart from it. In the lived experiences of Black and African Americans, we encounter a faith that wrestles honestly with imperial, class, colonial, and authoritarian powers… fear, domination, capitalism, and despair… both around us and within us. And yet, it is here, God draws near. Theology becomes embodied, breathing through lament, communal faithfulness, and hope. Christ’s life shows that transformation happens in relationship, where love resists the pull of counterfeit power and resurrection rises from what was silenced. This formation is not abstract or ideal; it is daily practice... choosing love over control, courage over avoidance, mercy over judgment. Soul care, then, mirrors Christ’s work: restoring dignity, reconciling what is broken, and revealing the Divine image in every life. Inspiration & Solidarity (Shared Breath, Shared Becoming): The stories of Black and African American communal faithfulness remind us that healing is never solitary... it is shared. Their witness calls us into a wider belonging, rooted in the truth that our well-being is bound together. Solidarity grows when we breathe together, listen without rushing, and allow another’s story to expand our own. Soul care cultivates this shared becoming, forming empathy and mutual strength. Inspiration is not escape... it is courage awakened through connection. Standing with one another, we carry hope into wounded systems and embody the Spirit’s promise of liberation and new creation. Focusing on soul care through Black and African American spiritual wisdom invites us into God’s ongoing work of healing and justice. By remembering history and attending to its present echoes, we join the faithful witness of those, like the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, who endured suffering yet held fast to Love. This sacred journey reveals how our stories of struggle and renewal are bound together, and how God’s love continues to weave wholeness where the world has been... and still is... torn apart. It calls us toward a world where liberation and dignity are not privileges but Divine birthrights rooted in God’s love. In this work, we resist systems and habits shaped by fear, envy, and shame, and instead mirror God’s heart... a heart that forms courage in adversity, restores belonging where division once ruled, and gathers every person into the shared story of redemption and living Hope. Scriptural Anchors: The Book of Genesis & Exodus | Deut 6:4-12 | 2 Samuel 21:1-14 | Amos 5:24 | Micah 6:8 | Lk 4:17-19 | Lk 10:25-37 | Rom 12:1-2 | 2 Cor 3:17-18 | 2 Cor 5:18-19 | Is 61:1-3 | Ps 139 | Matt 5-7 | Rev 2:8–11 | Rev 3:7–13 Justice & Righteousness Listen In a world where faith has become entangled with empire, division, and brokenness, Reclaiming Faith offers an invitation to rediscover the liberating essence of the Gospel. Through four thoughtful sessions led by José Humphreys, this series guides viewers on a journey of decolonization, healing, and spiritual renewal. Each film explores how we can reclaim a faith that truly liberates, restores, and creates authentic belonging... moving beyond inherited systems of power and control to encounter the transformative heart of Christ's message. Whether you're wrestling with disillusionment, seeking deeper understanding, or longing for a more compassionate expression of Christianity, this series provides space for honest discernment and hopeful reimagination. Listen America’s Unholy Ghosts is a thoughtful short film series from The Work of the People inspired by Joel Edward Goza’s book of the same name. The series invites viewers into deep, honest conversation about how racialized ways of thinking and cultural assumptions have shaped American faith and politics... and how those “unholy ghosts” can haunt Christian life and public life today. It includes eight films framed around five sessions that explore topics like how systems of white supremacy are sustained, how scarcity and racialized images of God are constructed, how cultural narratives can be rewritten, and what faithful responses rooted in dignity and justice might look like. Each segment is paired with practices for discernment and conversation. SANKOFA is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. It means San (to return), Ko (to go), and Fa (to fetch, seek, and take). The well-known image of the bird... its body facing forward while its head reaches back to lift an egg from its back... captures the heart of Sankofa. It reminds us that returning to what has been carried, forgotten, or left unexamined is not regression, but wisdom. Oftentimes, healing and faithfulness require us to look back with honesty so we can move forward with clarity, courage, and repair. The Sankofa experience follows this way of learning. It guides us through historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement, inviting a living connection between the freedom struggle of the past and the realities we carry today. Sankofa names the truth that understanding race and caste systems is not an optional add-on to faith, but a vital part of our Christian discipleship… especially for those seeking a love that is rooted, embodied, and just. This journey is interactive and deeply formational. It invites participants to notice how Jesus’ righteousness, generosity, and justice take shape in real places, real stories, and real people… inside and outside the church. As we trace the history of caste systems and witness their ongoing impact, Sankofa creates space for awareness, repentance, and repair. It equips believers to join Christ’s work of reconciliation and conciliation, integrating faith and action so that our spiritual formation is not only personal, but also communal… woven into the healing, restoration, and hope God calls all of us to live into together.

Let's share with one another what Soul Care means for each of us and discuss questions about the essential aspects of our emotional and spiritual well-being. Complimentary Call Together, we’ll reflect on your hopes for soul care, your questions about my approach, and the needs you’re carrying. I look forward to sitting with you and beginning this journey. Schedule a Call

My Soul Care Rhythm embodies a profound commitment to care for the soul. In this cherished rhythm, I recognize the intricate orchestra between personal well-being and the greater harmony of community. Rooted in principles of compassion, love, and justice, I believe that nurturing the soul extends beyond individual contentment; it encompasses a collective pursuit of justice and righteousness for the sake of all humanity. Share Your Favorite Finds First Name Last Name Email What's Your Favorite Find on Amazon (share link)? Send Thanks for sharing! Back To Treating Yourself

My Soul Care Rhythm embodies a profound commitment to care for the soul. In this cherished rhythm, we recognize the intricate orchestra between personal well-being and the greater harmony of community. Rooted in principles of compassion, love, and justice, I believe that nurturing the soul extends beyond individual contentment; it encompasses a collective pursuit of justice and righteousness for the sake of all humanity. Light Spiritual Practice Guides Daily Examen Guide Daily Examen Video Lectio Divina ... Gratitude ... Fast & Pray ... Centering Prayer ... Breath Prayer ... Fixed Hour of Prayer ... Body Scan ... Lament Prayer ...